A WIN-Win: Girls Talk Math

WPI’s Women’s Impact Network (WIN) is a dynamic organization made up of diverse women who share a passion for education, leadership, and philanthropy and the advancement of women in STEM. Working to ensure WIN has the greatest impact on the women of WPI and beyond is no easy feat, but through pooling philanthropic gifts, WIN has awarded a total of $1.6 million to deserving WPI students, faculty, and staff since its inception in 2016.

Girls Talk Math co-founder Francesca Bernardi, professor of mathematical sciences, was thrilled to receive a 2024 grant for her program “Girls Talk Math at WPI: Expanding a free math and media camp to engage local girls and non-binary high school students.”

Girls Talk Math is a free two-week mathematics and media day camp hosted on campus for rising 9th to 12th grade girls and non-binary students who are interested in STEM, with priority admission given to Worcester Public School students. Lunch and snacks are provided, as well as transportation when needed. Attendees explore challenging STEM problems that go beyond the high school curriculum as they work in groups on problem sets and research the life and work of a scientist from a marginalized group. Program activities include short lectures, panels with STEM professionals, and several hands-on workshops, including “How to Make a Podcast” and “How to Get into College.”

“It is amazing to see the network of alumnae and friends that feel so passionately about the success of WPI and its programs, as so many aspects of the school’s programming would not be possible without donor contributions,” says Bernardi.

When asked about the Girls Talk Math program, Grace, a Worcester Technical High School 11th grade attendee says, “I enjoyed meeting other girls who were interested in STEM just as much as I was. It was also really nice that I got to meet university students who were studying things I was interested in.” Doherty Memorial High School 12th grader Serwah echoes the sentiment, saying, “What I enjoyed most was the opportunity to meet professionals from companies and learn about their work, which inspired me to explore those fields further.” Ninth grader Mackenzie, says of the program, “Meeting women from all over the state was a ‘Wow, this is really happening’ moment for me. To be able to connect to them and hear their personal stories was phenomenal.” 

Obinyim, a 10th grader at Worcester’s Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public High School, shares a powerful lesson learned that is directly in line with WPI’s curriculum: “A benefit I gained from the program is feeling comfortable making mistakes and asking for help when I need it.”

Beyond the positive impact the WIN grant makes on program attendees, it also supports wages for the students who are hired as staff. “Without WIN, all camp staff would have to work as volunteers,” says Bernardi. “This would limit the student pool of staff applicants significantly, as only those who can afford to work for free in the summer would be able to participate.”

Of staffing the program, computer science major Ivy Bixler ’25 says, “Working for Girls Talk Math the past two summers gave me the opportunity to learn about how to work with and engage bright young minds as well as meet other WPI students I might not have otherwise interacted with.” Biomedical engineering major Sarah Roberge ’26 says, “I love that even as a staff member, I learn so many new things about STEM by going through the problem sets myself.”

Timory Goggin ’25, a mathematical sciences and computer science major, adds, “I loved interacting with the campers and fellow staff during the program, and I appreciate how the program fosters an environment of learning and encourages curiosity. WPI as a leading institution in Worcester has a responsibility to foster community relations and support local youth. I urge anyone who is able, to contribute donations in support of precollegiate opportunities for young students.”

As Beyond These Towers: The Campaign for Worcester Polytechnic Institute continues, the breadth and depth of donor impact, highlighted by WIN grants, inspires continued philanthropic support of the university.